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Carlsson Introduces Tuning Package For The New Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG

Posted August 9th, 2006 At 10:00 AM CST

For those of you looking to add a touch of flavor to your already-delectable Mercedes SL55 AMG, the tuning wunderkinds over at Carlsson have announced today the newest addition to their aftermarket Mercedes lineup.

Titled the CK55 RS,
Carlsson engineers took an ordinary 2007 SL55 AMG and made it... you guessed it... faster. More power by way of altering the M113 5.5 Liter supercharged V8's compressor transmission has resulted in a new output of 601 bhp/442kW with a maximum torque of 810 Nm at 2600 rpm, all while maintaining the SL's trademark reliability. The result is a 0-62 mph time of 4.2 seconds, a 0-124 mph time of 13.06 seconds, and an electronically limited top speed of 206 mph.

But Carlsson engineers engineers didn't stop there ladies and gentlemen, that's simply the tip of the iceberg. In addition to the afore-mentioned power enhancements, further improvement came by way of Carlsson's new C-Tronic SUSPENSION. A reduction in height by approximately 30 mm not only lowers the CK55 RS' center of gravity, it also intelligently interacts with the road, ensuring optimum performance as well as optimum comfort no matter what driving conditions you may encounter.

And finally, if the previous enhancements haven't swayed you into upgrading your beloved SL, the final area Carlsson engineers addressed was of course, its appearance. New front and rear aprons, a selection of 19" and 20" wheels, interior upgrades... all are available for those looking to create a unique yet still recognizable SL55 AMG.

To learn more, head over to Carlsson's website for their full lineup of tuning products, or learn more about the CK55 RS in the full press release below.

Enjoy.

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Ride off into the sunset at 332 km/hour: in the Carlsson CK55 RS – with up to 601 bhp (Basis: new SL 55 AMG)

2/16 Brilliant Edition: genuine two-piece 16-spoke aluminum wheel for almost all current Mercedes-Benz models in 8.5 and 10.5 x 20"

Excellent performance with the CK55 RS performance kit
Carlsson, based in Merzig in the Saar, offers the CK55 RS performance kit for all MB vehicles with the M113, 5.5-liter supercharged AMG engine type. Carlsson thereby alters compressor transmission, resulting in a higher maximum compressor RPM. This allows Carlsson to raise the boost pressure and thus the required air flow rate. The combined result is then significantly enhanced performance.
Carlsson modifies the compressor in such a way that it generates more pressure very early on – that is, even at lower rpms – supplying the engine with high torque. That's how Carlsson achieves not only considerably better flexibility, but also better driving comfort.

A customized exhaust system also boosts performance – a design created by Carlsson which optimizes exhaust flows. To reduce exhaust gas back pressure, the automobile tuner uses rear mufflers of corrosion-resistant stainless steel – as seen in sports cars – which work according to the principle of absorption. The SL's four tailpipes hint to the rest of the world at the brachial power that can now be tapped with the CK55 RS performance kit.

Finally, Carlsson also adapts the electronics of the 5.5 liter V8 engine, rounding off the engine tuning.

This performance makeover increases the power of the elegant roadster's engine to a mighty 601 bhp/442kW with a maximum torque of 810 Nm at 2600 rpm, definitively establishing the sporty character of the Carlsson CK55. The maximum speed is over 332km/hour*. A sprint from 0 to 100 km/hour yields an acceleration time of 4.2 seconds – from 0 to 200 km/hour takes 13.06 seconds.

No matter what alterations to the engine or performance enhancements they undertake, Carlsson's engineers rigorously ensure that the tolerance levels of the engine parts – maintained in mint condition for the most part – are not exceeded, thereby preventing damage. Likewise, Carlsson ensures that the tuned engines continue to comply with all emissions regulations.

*limited electronically (in connection with 19" wheels)

Electronically lowered with C-Tronic® SUSPENSION

Starting in September 2006, Carlsson is offering C-Tronic® SUSPENSION electronic lowering exclusively for the SL 55 AMG, which lowers the vehicle by approx. 30 mm. The driver can be certain that the lowering will give the car a definitely sportier look.

But besides lowering the center of gravity, the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION also enables intelligent interaction with the road conditions – thanks to its sophisticated technology. On poor roads and with steadily increasing spring compression travel, the height of the vehicle automatically adjusts itself, and the remaining spring travel necessary for consistent driving comfort is maintained. The driver feels the effects of the C-Tronic® lower setting in the form of reduced roll and considerably more agile handling. The C-Tronic® SUSPENSION thus also promises greater driving pleasure.
What's more, the C-Tronic® SUSPENSION, ensures that at a speed of more than 120 km/hour the maximum standard lower setting possible – and thus the minimum height from the ground for a vehicle – is maintained, which permanently guarantees sufficient spring compression travel range. At the same time, the vehicle's wind resistance and lift is reduced, since less air is flowing beneath the car.

Sporty luxury and unmatched combination of finishes

The elegant 2/16 BE (Brilliant Edition) wheel stands out due to its unmatched surface finish, and thus symbolizes luxury and sportiness. The contrast between the brilliant silver hub of the wheel, with its eye-catching metallic effect, and the high-gloss, paper-thin stainless-steel coating make it particularly attractive.

This combination of surface finishes is unique to Mercedes-Benz tuning and is thus the right choice for anyone who wants to give their Mercedes-Benz more individuality.

The multiple parts of the 2/16 BE make the new wheel even sportier than its one-piece predecessor, the 1/16 BE. The elegant star of spokes is tightly welded to the ultra-light forged wheel. Thanks to its low weight (measured without springs), the wheel offers comfort features similar to the ultra-light 1/16 UL forged wheel.

In an ideal combination, Carlsson offers the 2/16 Brilliant Edition wheel for the SL 55 AMG in the following dimensions: 8.5 x 20" for the front axle (255/30 ZR20 tires) and 10.5 x 20" for the rear axle (305/25 ZR20 tires).

The 2/16BE wheel is available in 8.5 and 10 x 19" and in 8.5 and 10.5 x 20" for almost all current Mercedes-Benz models.